Today we’d like to introduce you to Lidia Pozo Pérez.
Hi Lidia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Algeciras, Cádiz, the South of Spain, a place embraced by the sea and the mountains, a place where various cultures converge. Thanks to this, respect, tolerance, and equity are my fundamental principles.
At the age of eight, I began my formal music studies at the ‘Paco de Lucía’ Professional Music Conservatory, where I remained for the next ten years. I graduated in 2016, specializing in Flute within the Composition itinerary, and that same year, I was admitted to the ‘Manuel Castillo’ Superior Music Conservatory in Seville to continue my studies in Composition. While I was studying music at the Superior Music Conservatory, I started my undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Seville. In 2020, I completed my Classical Composition undergraduate education, and after graduating as a psychologist in 2022, I was admitted and awarded scholarships at Berklee College of Music and New York University Steinhardt to further my studies in the field of Screen Scoring. Finally, I began my master’s studies at Berklee College of Music in August 2022. I was awarded a High Musical Specialization Scholarship by the Society of Artists and Performers of Spain (AIE) and the Ángela Morgollón Scholarship, which allowed me to continue and finish my studies at Berklee College Of Music.
Since I was 15 years old, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with production companies, brands, and filmmakers in the region. During my studies at the Conservatory in Seville, I had the opportunity to premiere a couple of works with the Seville Symphonic Band, the percussion department, and the contemporary chamber group “Taller Sonoro”. Later in my studies, I secured a position as an intern student in the “Manuel de Falla” chair, where I furthered my knowledge of contemporary music composition under the guidance of Maestro Benet Casablancas. I also had the chance to premier an electroacoustic piece at the Superior Music Institute of Livorno (Italy) and a solo cello piece at the MIXTUR sound creation festival (Barcelona).
Currently, I am gaining experience in the field of film music in Los Angeles, California, under the guidance of Jeff Russo, in order to refine my musical knowledge within this industry.
If someone had told me ten years ago that I would be doing what I’m doing today, I wouldn’t have believed it. Sometimes, leaving your country, or even your city, can be very challenging, but if you have people who support you, in my case, my family and friends, everyone who has believed in me, like Berklee Community, Ángela Morgollón, and AIE society, the journey becomes much more manageable. I’m taking a leap of faith, completely, a significant “leap” from Spain to Los Angeles, but as they often say, “those who dare, win” and the courage to take risks is often the key to achieving great things. I only hope to continue learning and growing within this challenging yet fascinating world of Film Scoring.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it wasn’t an easy journey. People often share their victories but seldom their failures. Yet, it’s those failures that matter the most, as they provide the most valuable lessons. Just before embarking on my classical composition studies at the Superior Conservatory of Seville, I faced rejection when applying to continue my flute studies. After dedicating over a decade to the flute, I was denied the opportunity to pursue further professional training with this instrument. It was a profound setback for me. This experience had a lasting impact on my future performances, leading to the development of stage fright. I refrained from playing the flute in public due to this fear, and it wasn’t until just a few months ago, following a hiatus of five years, that I regained confidence in performing before an audience. Gradually, I am rediscovering my connection with the flute and recognizing its role in my life, especially in my compositions. Once again, as the Spanish saying goes, ‘No hay mal que por bien no venga’ (‘every cloud has a silver lining,’) meaning that being denied the chance to continue my flute studies allowed me to focus on composition, ultimately steering my career more towards this discipline. Regardless of the failures or setbacks one faces, there’s always room for growth and improvement, even if it’s not immediately evident.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a composer with a primary focus on creating music for film, television, and video games. However, I also have experience in contemporary and electroacoustic composition. My current goal is to advance my career, particularly in the realm of film and television music, but I’m open to collaborating on projects related to video games or music composition that isn’t tied to visual media. Currently, I’m working as an intern at Jeff Russo’s studio while simultaneously composing the soundtrack for a short film based in Granada, Spain. I always aim to have ongoing projects to continue learning and gaining experience in this field.
In addition to my composition work, I’m trying to rekindle my skills in playing the flute, with the intention of participating as a performer in projects. A few months ago, I released my first song with lyrics, “Una Vida,” and while I don’t consider myself a singer, I’m captivated by the process of writing lyrics and singing. Overall, I find creative fulfillment in composing music across various genres, ranging from classical to pop-rock, Spanish flamenco to rap. I consider myself a highly artistic and multidisciplinary individual. This quality may set me apart from other composers, as I don’t adhere to a single style. Although my formal training is primarily in classical music due to my education, it hasn’t limited my exploration of diverse musical styles or hindered my development as a composer.
Furthermore, my background in a field unrelated to music, specifically psychology, has provided valuable insights into enhancing my interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and how to effectively interact with others. I believe these interpersonal skills are essential in any professional setting. In essence, I am an individual who thrives on the excitement of learning new things, and my ongoing objective is to continue expanding my knowledge and expertise.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
If the question is solely focused on my professional life, my answer would be no. However, sadly, on a personal level, the pandemic taught me a profound lesson, and it influenced some of the decisions that have brought me to where I am today. In January 2021, following the devastating first wave of COVID-19 in Spain, almost my entire family contracted the virus. Tragically, both my maternal uncle and grandfather passed away almost simultaneously. It was the first time I had experienced such a profound loss within my family, and having to cope with two losses at once was incredibly challenging, not just for me but for my entire family.
As time went on, I learned to navigate the grief, and it ultimately helped me recognize the immense value of people and the fragility of life itself. My grandfather had always been my biggest supporter, attending every concert I performed in as part of orchestras. His unwavering support for my musical journey inspired me to give my all when applying to universities, and, in part, it was a tribute to him. As a result of my efforts, I was accepted and received scholarships from both Berklee College of Music and NYU Steinhardt.
Today, I have the strong belief that my uncle and grandfather would be proud of the path I’ve chosen and the achievements I’ve made, wherever they may be. Their memory serves as a constant source of inspiration and motivation in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: lidiapozomusic.com/english
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lidiapozo13/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lidia.pozoperez
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-pozo-pérez-3504a2204/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwJetIQPOsXs8C8sjhye2iQ
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-443504070
Image Credits
Eduardo Viñas
